Mercury 1997 Cougar Manual page 166

Service your vehicle more frequently if you
tow a trailer. (See Servicing your vehicle if you
tow in this chapter.)
Ten to 15% of the loaded trailer's weight should
be on the tongue. However, the tongue load
should never exceed 10% of the maximum
weight that your vehicle can safely tow.
Do not tow a trailer when using a
temporary spare tire.
Your vehicle is classified as a light duty towing
vehicle. The amount of weight that you can
safely tow depends on the optional equipment
on your vehicle. See the following chart.
Trailer towing specifications
Preparing to Tow
For your safety and for the good of your
vehicle, use the right equipment for the type of
trailer you tow. Also, make sure that all towing
equipment is properly attached to your vehicle.
If you are not certain that you are using the
right equipment in the proper manner, see your
Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
Do not use hitches that clamp onto your
vehicle's bumper. The bumper is not designed to
bear the load.
RWARNING
165